North News
New Delhi, October 29
The NPPA has directed manufacturers to reduce the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of three crucial anti-cancer drugs—Trastuzumab, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab—following recent exemptions from customs duties and a reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) issued the directive in an Office Memorandum issued on October 28 aimed at making these life-saving medicines more affordable.
The price cuts stem from measures announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, which granted customs duty exemptions on these drugs, as per a notification by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance on July 23. Additionally, a separate notification issued on October 8, 2024, lowered GST rates on the drugs from 12% to 5%, effective October 10.
The official statement said that these tax adjustments are expected to bring down the retail prices of the drugs, and NPPA has instructed manufacturers to pass the benefits directly to consumers. Manufacturers are required to issue revised or supplementary price lists to dealers, State Drugs Controllers, and the government, reflecting these changes. They must also submit updated pricing information to the NPPA through specified forms to ensure compliance and transparency in the pricing of these essential medicines.
